Vice President
for Student Affairs
University of Northern Iowa
About the University of Northern Iowa
UNI has a long and rich history of service. In 1866, an
orphanage for children affected by the Civil War was
established in Cedar Falls, Iowa. In a few years’ time, it
became apparent that the building’s usefulness would
shortly be coming to an end as orphans grew up and
moved out into the world. Iowans saw an opportunity
and seized it; the Iowa State Normal School – an
institution created for and devoted to the training of
teachers – was founded in 1876. Since its inception,
the institution has also gone by the names of Iowa
State Teachers College, State College of Iowa, and
most currently, University of Northern Iowa.
A rich tradition of great teaching guides UNI’s broadly
based academic program grounded in a strong
liberal arts core. The university is organized into four
major colleges, each having a host of departments,
majors, minors and special programs. UNI also has
a strong graduate college and offers programs at
the master’s, specialist and doctoral levels. Faculty
members include Fulbright scholars, world-class
teachers, researchers, authors and international
business consultants. Outside of the classroom, UNI’s
vibrant campus is home to 300+ student clubs and
organizations, 17 Division I collegiate sports teams, a
multitude of fine arts options and more.
The University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls,
a riverfront town with numerous recreational, cultural
and entertainment opportunities. The university’s size
allows it the academic choices of a large university
while retaining a friendly, small-college atmosphere on
a compact, park-like campus. The campus consists of
more than 40 major buildings on over 940 acres.
Institutional Leadership
President William Ruud assumed leadership of UNI in May 2013 after having served as president of
Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, from 2007-2013. The president leads through his
Executive Management Team (EMT) and Cabinet.
Administrative Organization 2015-16
Organizational Chart
President
William N. Ruud
Jim Wohlpart,
Provost and Executive Vice President
Finance and Operations
Michael Hager,
Senior Vice President
University Advancement
Lisa Baronio,
Vice President
Jan Hanish,
Interim Vice President
Associate Vice President
for Enrollment
Management
Assistant Vice President
Director, Physical Plant
Administration
Assistant Vice President
and Executive Director
of Residence
Alumni Relations
Associate Provost
Dean, College of
Business Administration
Director, Business
Operations
Director of Facilities
Planning
Dean of Students
Foundation
Assistant Provost for
Research and Sponsored
Programs
Dean, College
of Education
Director, Human
Resource Services
Director, Budget System
Development/Reporting
Executive Director,
Health and Recreation
Services
Director, Institutional
Dean, College of
Humanities, Arts
and Sciences
System Administrator,
Technology Services
Controller, Financial
Accounting and
Reporting Services
Executive Director,
Student Engagement
and Outreach
Dean, Library
Dean, College of Social
and Behavioral Sciences
Sustainability
Coordinator
Chief of Police/Director,
Public Safety
Director, Student Success
and Retention
Dean, Continuing
Education and Special
Programs
Chief Information
Director of
Environmental Health
and Safety
Associate Provost for
Dean, Graduate College
Director of
Undergraduate Studies
Mary Braun
Director of
Federal Relations
Randy Pilkington
Assistant to the
President for
Compliance and Equity
Management
Leah Gutknecht
University Relations
Scott Ketelsen
Chief Audit Executive
Internal Audit
Todd Stewart
University Counsel
Tim McKenna
Director, Athletics
Administration
Jean Berger
Assistant to the
President
for Events and Protocol
Jennifer Yarrow
[FEB. 2016]
Executive Management Team Membership
EMT is charged with framing policy and procedures, making
recommendations to the president and ensuring decisions are
effectively implemented. The EMT is also charged with aligning
the university’s strategic plan and available resources to ensure
the university fulfills its mission.
Membership of EMT is determined by the president.
Current members are:
Lisa Baronio is vice president
for University Advancement and
president of the UNI Foundation.
Baronio, a Waterloo, Iowa, native,
came in the summer of 2015 from
Trinity University in San Antonio
where she was vice president for
Alumni Relations and Development.
Jean Berger is the interim director of
Athletics. She previously served UNI
as the deputy athletic director. After
joining UNI from Drake University in
2008, she was appointed to be the
direct supervisor of five UNI women’s
sports before transitioning to her new
role as interim director of athletics.
Mary Braun, a UNI alum, has served
as UNI’s state relations officer since
December 2014. She has 25 years of
legislative experience serving on the
Iowa House Democratic Caucus staff.
Leah Gutknecht, assistant to the
president for Compliance and Equity
Management, has held the position
since 2004 with 10 previous years of
service on campus in various other
roles. Gutknecht also earned her B.A.
and MBA from UNI.
Michael Hager is senior vice president
for Finance and Operations. He
previously served as assistant vice
president and executive director of
residence. Prior to coming to UNI in
2004, Hager worked at the University
of Lincoln.
President William N. Ruud
Jan Hanish, interim vice president for
Student Affairs, assumed the role in
January 2016. She had previously served
the university in various roles, including
assistant vice president for Finance and
Operations and director of Maucker
Union.
Scott Ketelsen has been the director
of the Office of University Relations
since 2013. He previously served as
the director of Marketing and Media
Production at the University of Iowa.
Matt Kroeger assumed the role of
associate vice president for enrollment
management in 2014. Kroeger earned
his B.A. from UNI in business and a M.Ed.
with Distinction in Education Leadership
from Northern Arizona University.
Marty Mark is the chief information
officer and has been with UNI for 26
years. Mark assumed the role of chief
information officer in the fall of 2014.
Tim McKenna has served as in-house
counsel since joining the University
of Northern Iowa in 1988, first as
operations auditor (including internal
audit and legal work) and then
university counsel.
Jim Wohlpart joined UNI in May 2015 as
provost and executive vice president for
Academic Affairs. He came from Florida
Gulf Coast University where he was the
dean of Undergraduate Studies and a
professor of English.
President’s Cabinet
University Budget
The president’s Cabinet,
with membership from EMT,
College deans, employee group
leadership, student government
and others based on specific
leadership roles within the
institution, is the principle
information distribution,
discussion and deliberation
forum for UNI. Cabinet advises
the president and the Executive
Management Team and
provides effective, responsive
and informed leadership and
recommendations to the
university. The Cabinet meets to
discuss policy and operational
issues affecting the university,
offers recommendations and
perspectives on universitywide policies and practices, and
serves as a sounding board for
ideas and new initiatives.
General Education Fund Budget = $171,275,291
EXPENSES BY FUNCTION
STUDENT
SERVICES
5%
PUBLIC
SERVICE LIBRARIES
1% 1%
RESEARCH
0%
SCHOLARSHIPS
8%
INSTRUCTION
43%
ACADEMIC
SUPPORT
12%
BUILDINGS
OPERATIONS &
MAINTENANCE
12%
INSTITUTIONAL
SUPPORT
12%
EXPENSES BY DIVISION
FINANCE &
OPERATIONS
13%
SCHOLARSHIPS
8%
ACADEMIC
AFFAIRS
65%
STUDENT
AFFAIRS
5%
GENERAL
INSTITUTIONAL
4%
PRESIDENT
4%
ADVANCEMENT
1%
The University of Northern Iowa Strategic Plan
The University of Northern Iowa is engaged in developing an Academic Master Plan and long range Campus
Facilities Master Plan. These will provide the basis for a new institutional strategic plan that will coordinate with
the new strategic plan of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa. The current UNI strategic plan incorporates the
following goals:
• Be a leading undergraduate public university that
provides a strong liberal arts foundation
• Provide rigorous and relevant graduate education
that meets the needs of graduate students, the
university and the community
• Lead the state and nation in pre K-12 education
• Create and maintain an inclusive educational
environment that prepares students to thrive in a
diverse global environment
• Enhance the economic, social, cultural and
sustainable development of the state
• Ensure accountability, affordability and access.
Vision
Values
The University of Northern Iowa
will be nationally known for
innovative education, preparing
students for success in a rapidly
changing, globally competitive and
culturally diverse world.
Academic Freedom - freedom of inquiry by students, faculty
Mission
The University of Northern Iowa
provides transformative learning
experiences that inspire students
to embrace challenge, engage in
critical inquiry and creative thought,
and contribute to society.
and staff
Access - an affordable, inclusive educational environment
Accountability - integrity, responsibility and the highest
ethical standards of students, faculty and staff
Community - an ethical, caring and safe community
characterized by civility
Diversity - a welcoming community that celebrates
pluralism, multiculturalism, and the unique contributions of
each person and group
Engagement - characterized by challenge, transformation
and lifelong learning in a global society
Excellence - in teaching and learning, scholarship and
creative work, and service
Sustainability - an attractive, well-maintained campus
environment that enhances the living and learning experience
with an emphasis on environmental stewardship
Student Body
Academic Colleges
The university’s fall 2015 enrollment
was 11,981. UNI has a 16:1 student
to faculty ratio providing students
easier access to faculty to help
ensure success. Approximately
88% of UNI’s students are residents
of Iowa. UNI has 7,073 female
students enrolled and 4,908 males
enrolled.
The university is organized into four undergraduate colleges:
College of Education
College of Business Administration
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences
Fall 2015 enrollment
by college
Within these colleges, UNI proudly offers 90+ bachelor’s degree
programs and 46 master’s programs giving students a wide
variety of opportunities to pursue their academic goals.
Business: 2,047
Education: 2,845
Humanities, Arts & Sciences: 3,830
Social & Behavioral Sciences: 1,880
Other majors: 1,379
Total Enrollment: 11,981
Peer Institutions
• College of Charleston (SC)
• Eastern Illinois University (IL)
• Ferris State University (MI)
• James Madison University (VA)
• Marshall University (WV)
• Southern Illinois University -
Awards and Honors
• The University of Northern Iowa has been named one of the best
universities in the Midwest by The Princeton Review. The wellknown education services company lists UNI among its “Best in
the Midwest” recommended schools in its “2016 Best Colleges:
Region by Region” website feature. Only 159 colleges in 12
Midwestern states made the list.
• UNI’s College of Business Administration is accredited by
AACSB International - the most prestigious business school
accreditation in the world. Less than 5 percent of the world’s
13,000 business programs have earned it.
• UNI was selected by G.I. Jobs Magazine as a Military Friendly
School, an honor placing the university in the top 20 percent
of schools doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as
students.
Edwardsville (IL)
• Truman State University (MO)
• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (MA)
• University of Minnesota - Duluth
(MN)
• Since 2008, UNI has been named to the President’s Higher
Education Community Service Honor Roll, recognizing a
commitment to and achievement in community service.
• The Washington Monthly College Guide ranks UNI 65th in the
nation out of 684 master’s colleges and universities, 38th on
their list of master’s universities that are the Best Bang for the
Buck, and in the top 100 for all universities.
Division of Student Affairs
Mission
Office of the Vice President
Dean of Students
• Military & Veteran Student Services
• Student Disability Services
• Student Wellness Services
• LGBT* Center
• Student Conduct
• Outreach & Assistance
Health and Recreation Services
• Counseling Center
• Student Health Clinic
• Recreation Services
Student Engagement & Outreach
• Career Services
• Center for Multicultural Education
• Maucker Union
• Community College Relations
Department of Residence
• Facilities
• Residence Life
• Dining
• Housing
• Conference Services
Student Success and Retention
• New Student Programs
• Orientation
We help students succeed.
We help students prepare for
responsible citizenship, personal
fulfillment, and success in life by
supporting their efforts to learn
through their experiences, achieve
their academic goals, and strive for
excellence in all.
We do this by:
• Developing environments that
are safe, welcoming, inclusive and
healthy;
• Providing services that are
professional, supportive and
personalized; and
• Fostering meaningful student
engagement in campus and
community life that develops
leadership, educates about diversity,
and contributes to learning.
Values
In seeking to accomplish this mission,
we are committed to:
Organizational Chart
Assistant to the VP
Carol Geiger
Interim Vice President
for
Student Affairs
Jan Hanish
Information
Technology Coord
Sam Barr
SIS Systems
Coordinator
Mike Holmes
Exec Director, Health &
Recreation Services
Shelley O’Connell
Exec Director & Asst VP,
Department of Residence
Glenn Gray
Dean of Students
Leslie Williams
Exec Director, Student
Engagement & Outreach
Bob Frederick
Director, Student
Success & Retention
Kristin Woods
Student Health Clinic
Shelley O’Connell
Residence Life
Nick Rafanello
Student Disability
Services
Brittany Warren
Career Services
Matt Nuese
New Student
Programs
Kristin Woods
Dining
Vacant
Student Wellness
Services
Mark Rowe-Barth
Maucker Union
Lisa Kratz
Orientation
Coordinator
Ashley Stewart
Facilities
David Peerman
Military & Veteran
Student Services
Norman Ferguson
Ctr for Multicultural
Education
Jon Cox
Conference
Services
Annie Karr
Student Conduct
Leslie Williams
Community College
Relations
Bob Frederick
Housing
Jean Wiesley
Outreach &
Assistance
Allyson Rafanello
Counseling Center
David Towle
Recreation Services
Chris Denison
Division of Student Affairs
University of Northern Iowa
• Encouraging the development of
the whole student and involving all
students in the life of the University;
• Cultivating a caring and diverse
campus community that values
respect for all people, the open
and free exchange of ideas, and
responsible and ethical behavior;
• Maximizing our effectiveness
through responsible stewardship of
resources, support of innovation,
and creativity in problem solving;
• Working collaboratively across
campus and community, and
fostering a work environment
for our staff which encourages
continuous improvement and
professional development.
Vice President
for Student Affairs
University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa provides a high quality and diverse educational experience, purposefully guiding students to find and
develop their strengths and prepare them for success after college. Building on its historic excellence in teacher education, the university
has developed outstanding programs in business, natural sciences, humanities and fine arts, and social and behavioral sciences with
advanced degrees available in many programs. Students in these majors are provided resources and support to engage in research,
internships, leadership roles, and other high impact experiences. One of three state universities in Iowa, UNI enjoys national recognition
for its high educational standards and possesses a distinctive mission as the comprehensive state university for Iowa. U.S. News and
World Report ranked UNI in the top three among Midwest public universities for the past 18 years. The University’s attractive size, nearly
12,000 students, allows it to offer faculty, facilities, and academic choices characteristic of a much larger university while retaining a
friendly, small-college atmosphere on a park-like campus. UNI is located in picturesque Cedar Falls, Iowa, a small riverfront city with many
recreational, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The metropolitan community of Cedar Falls/Waterloo has a combined population
of 165,000 and offers a pleasant residential setting with a strong and growing industrial base. Cedar Falls is a friendly, affordable
community located within 100 miles from Des Moines, and within 300 miles of Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City and Chicago.
The Position
Qualifications
Reports to the President, serves as a member of the Executive
Management Team (EMT) and provides executive leadership and
management for the University’s Student Affairs Division:
• Student Engagement (Career Services, Maucker Union,
Student Involvement Center, and the Center for Multicultural
Education),
• Dean of Students (Student Disability Services, Student Wellness
Services, Military and Veterans Student Services, Student
Conduct, LGBT* Center, and Student Assistance and Outreach),
• Student Success and Retention (New Student Programs and
Orientation).
• Residence (Residence Life, Housing and Dining),
• Health and Recreation Services (Health Clinic, Counseling,
and Recreation Services).
The successful candidate must:
• Possess a doctorate degree from an accredited institution plus
at least ten years of progressively responsible administrative
experience, with extensive experience in student affairs.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of contemporary
higher education and its current context within the state and
nation.
• Demonstrate experience related to diversity and inclusion.
• Possess an open, transparent leadership style.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication
skills.
• Show a demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with
students, student organizations, faculty and staff from all
backgrounds.
• Demonstrate extensive experience and understanding of
budgeting and financial management.
• Exhibit a demonstrated commitment to educational excellence
and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively represent the university
to external stakeholders.
The Vice President is responsible for promoting student learning,
success and well-being, building a sense of engagement and
community within the campus, fostering a vibrant, diverse,
inclusive, and stimulating campus life, and supporting university
retention initiatives. The Vice President will be actively engaged
in student life and university culture, and “live and breathe”
the student experience with the ultimate objective to optimize
each student’s educational experience within an environment
best described as student centered. As a member of the
President’s Executive Management Team, the Vice President
works closely with the Provost and Executive Vice President
for Academic Affairs, the Senior Vice President for Finance and
Operations, the Vice President for Advancement, the Director of
Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Chief Diversity Officer.
Preferred qualifications include:
• At least one degree in higher education administration, student
development, student personnel, or a related field.
• Demonstrated progressive administrative experience in a
higher education setting.
• Proven skills in fundraising and grant writing.
Application and nomination
Salary $175k to commensurate. Excellent benefits package includes a vacation plan, employer-sponsored retirement plans, health and
dental insurance, and life and disability insurance. Deadline for first consideration is March 14, 2016; review of applications will continue
until the position is filled. Detailed information is provided at www.uni.edu/vpstudentaffairssearch. Those interested should apply online
at jobs.uni.edu. Nominations can be made to Brenda Bass, Dean, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Search Committee Chair,
at Brenda.Bass@uni.edu.
Criminal and other relevant background checks are required. UNI actively seeks to enhance diversity and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected
veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity,
national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.
UNI is a smoke free campus.